Rubber-dam holder



g- 26, 3 w. c. MIDDAUGH 1,774,285 "RUBBER DAM HOLDER Filed Feb. 1, 1928 INVENTOR W/zL/m CLHYMIDDAUGH. BY 1x13 fia:

ATTORNEIY Patented Aug. 26. 1930 UNETED STATES WILLIAM CLAY MIDDAUGH, EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA RU BER-DAM A HOLDER- Application filed February 1, 1928. Serial no. 256,998..

This invention relates to improvements inv rubber dam holders for dentists use, and to the method of applying or using the device.

One object of the invention is to provide :32 a holder which may be readily adapted'for application to theface of the patient so that it is effectively retained in position by the tension of the rubber sheet or dam without other fastening means.

1': A further object is to make the holder of. material which may be conveniently de-v formed or bent to conform to the contours of the faceof the patientso that the appli-] cation or pressure to any portion of theframe will not rock or tilt the device.

'A still further object is to provide a new or improved method of securing a rubber dam for use indental operations, which consists in mounting the rubber sheet'under tension on a skeleton frame having two or more arms extending at. definite angles from the frame placing the latter around the mouth of the patientand bending the parts of the frame'to exactly conform to the contours of the patients face and to bear thereon with uniform pressure throughout.

With these objects in view the invention consists "in the novelconstruction hereinafter described in the accompanying drawings, and

particularly pointed out in the appended claims, and in the novel method of applying and using the device.

'In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective I view showing the device in use; Fig. 2 is a front view of the device ready for use; Fig. 3 is an edge view thereof; and Fig. 4 is a side View showing the device as it might be bent or shaped to suit the contours of theface of a patient. 7

In the. form shown on the drawing the holder consists of a thin aluminum plate 1,

of inverted U-shape andwith narrow pro-- jecting arms 2, 3 at the top and somewhat similar arms 4,,5 at the sides. Projecting from the front of the plate 1 are a number of posts or studs 6 for the reception of the rubber sheet 7 which is perforated for the reception of the saidposts. The upper edge of the plate is rolled or folded at 9 so as to 30 presentv a smooth or rounded surface which decided: tension. The parts of the frameor plate 1 are then bentas shown for exmake contact with the under surface of the nose of the patient without causing irritation or, discomfort.

f ff When it is desired to apply a rubber dam to, an upper or lowerdenture the usual sheet .55 rubber 7 is first attached in the usual way by means of ligatures or clasps 8 to the tooth or teeth to be operated "on and the rubber sheet is then punched by means of an ordinaryfpunch and the holes thus formed are 60,

"fitted on to the studs o'r posts 6 as clearly shown at Fig. 1 These holes must be punched in such location that when they are slipped over. the posts 6 the rubber is under ample at Fig. 4C-until the rear surface thereofengages'closely and uniformly against the face of the patient and the device is then retained in its proper position by the rubber sheeting 7 without other supporting means, I and the uniform engagement of the holder upon the face of the patient entirely precludes the possibility of rocking or tilting of the holder even when pressure is applied to any part thereof when an operation is being performed upon the teeth to which the dam has been applied.

Although the drawings and the above specification disclose one mode of carrying .outthis invention it will be understood that;

in the'practical application of my invention, many changes may be made in form and construction as circumstances may require or as experience may suggest without departing from the spirit of the invention within thescope of the appended claims.

I claim: I

l. A rubber-dam holder of the character described comprising a light bendable U- shaped frame of sheet material havingin tegral independently bendable arms extending outwardly therefrom with projecting means on the U-shaped part and on the arms for the attachment of the usual rubber sheeting.

2. A rubber-dam holder of. the character describedcomprising a sheet metal frame of inverted U-shape with outwardly projecting top and side arms adapted to be bent to con- 00 form to the contours of the patients face and means on the frame and arms for the attachment of the usual rubber sheeting.

3. A rubber-dam holder of the character described comprising a bendable sheet metal frame of inverted U-shape with arms projecting upwardly and outwardly therefrom and having projecting posts on the U-shaped frame and on said arms for the attachment of the rubber sheeting.

4. A rubber-dam holder of the character described comprising a deformable U-shaped frame With integral deformable projecting arms on the top and sides thereof and with posts projecting from said arms and from i the frame for the attachment of the rubber sheeting.

5. A rubber-dam holder of the character described comprising a deformable sheet metal frame of inverted U-shape with a rolled upper edge for engagement with the patients nose and with means for the attachment of the usual rubber sheeting.

6. A rubber-dam holder of the character described comprising a bendable aluminum frame of inverted U shape with projecting upper and side arms and a rounded upper edge, and means on the said frame for the attachment of the usual rubber sheeting.

In testimony whereof Lhave signed my name to this specification.

WILLIAM CLAY MIDDAUGH. 

